Beatrice Chebet once again proved her dominance on the global stage after storming to victory in the women’s 5000m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The Kenyan distance star produced a late surge of speed to claim gold in 14:54.36, completing a remarkable distance double.
The race unfolded at a relatively slow but tactical pace, with Chebet and her compatriot Faith Kipyegon staying tucked in behind the early leader Nadia Battocletti. The Italian, who had earlier secured silver in the 10,000m, looked poised for another strong finish as she controlled much of the rhythm. However, the Kenyan pair stayed patient, conserving energy for the decisive closing stages.
With one lap remaining, the intensity shifted dramatically. Kipyegon, fresh from her 1500m gold earlier in the week, made her move, pushing the pace and daring her rivals to follow. Chebet, known for her ferocious finishing kick, stayed close on her shoulder as Battocletti tried to hold her ground.
The final 200 meters saw Chebet unleash her trademark burst, surging past Kipyegon and crossing the line just ahead of her teammate. Kipyegon took silver in a season’s best 14:55.07, underlining her versatility across distances, while Battocletti showed immense resilience to grab bronze in 14:55.42.
The result marked a historic 1-2 for Kenya, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a powerhouse in long-distance running. Chebet’s triumph also mirrored her performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where she secured both the 5000m and 10,000m titles. By winning the same double in Tokyo, she confirmed her status as one of the greatest distance runners of her generation.
For Kipyegon, the silver medal added to her glittering collection and served as further proof of her adaptability. Having dominated the 1500m globally for years, she continues to stretch her limits and challenge herself over longer distances.
Battocletti’s bronze, meanwhile, capped off an outstanding championship for the Italian. By medalling in both the 10,000m and 5000m, she signaled her rise as a major contender in European and global athletics.
As the crowd in Tokyo witnessed a thrilling conclusion to the race, Chebet’s golden double became the defining highlight of the championships. Her composure, timing, and explosive finish once again set her apart, leaving no doubt that she remains the queen of long-distance track running.
